AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands

Yes, they’re as clichéd as clogs, but Tulips are a definitive symbol of Dutch culture, and a trip to the Netherlands wouldn’t be complete without feasting your eyes on these beautiful blooms. The most famous place to buy tulips and bulbs in Amsterdam is at the Bloemenmarkt – the world’s only floating flower market

Take a boat ride in the canals, with more than 160 canals, Amsterdam’s concentric canal system is among the most iconic landmarks in the world. Despite its relatively small size, it is surprisingly easy to get lost in Amsterdam, partly due to the city’s unique layout. A diverse fleet of around 200 tour boats carry more than 3 million passengers a year, offering a waterborne variety of almost every form of entertainment that's available in Amsterdam.

Just a five-minute walk down the Damrak from Centraal Station takes you into this 13th century old jam-packed square, This city square, known as "The Dam", jostling with locals and tourists day and night. Whatever the weather, there is always something going on. There are food stalls, restaurants and shops galores, including the trendy Bijenkorf and Magna Plaza.

The Netherlands' own wax statue museum borders Dam Square and provides a fantastic view of the city from its upper-floor windows. Founded in 1970, the museum was the first of its kind to open in Europe after Britain's flagship debut. This effortless introduction to Dutch pop culture makes an excellent stop for families with kids. Check out wax statues of Queen Beatrix and DJ Tiesto, as well as those of Lady Gaga and Barack Obama.
Link: https://www.madametussauds.com/amsterdam/nl

When night falls, adults only can head to the northeast corner of the square to stroll Amsterdam's famous red-light district. Here you'll be among crowds of bachelors, bachelorettes, and cruise-ship passengers googling over the window entertainment. Watch as college boys haggle with scantily-clad women—a true testament to the legality of prostitution in the Netherlands. If you're not there in search of services, book a tour guided by former red-light ladies and get the inside scoop on the industry.

Everyone knows Anne Frank, the German Jewish writer whose diary is an incredible story of one Jewish family's will to survive in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam; it's little wonder that the "secret annex" where the family hid for two years, today known as the Anne Frank Huis, has become one of the city's most cherished attractions. Published as The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank's diary made her a household name - and in 2015, 1.2 million international visitors came to pay tribute to the writer's memory.

The Van Gogh Museum has the world’s largest collection of the painter’s works including the famous Sunflowers, self-portraits and the beautiful almond blossoms. Children can take part in a treasure hunt or collect ‘Vincent’s Travelling Case’, a suitcase filled with objects to help them find out more about the paintings. You can book a family guided tour or take the fun interactive audio tour around the museum.

Visitors flocked unabated to this temple of Dutch art history. The museum's collection totals about a million pieces, of which - even post-renovation - it can display only a fraction at a time.

The name says it all...The iconic travelling logo is a signature mark for the city.

The former Heineken brewery in Amsterdam, in use until 1988, is now home to what's known as the "Heineken Experience," where visitors can learn the history of one of the world's most recognizable beer brands and even taste the famous Dutch pilsner.

"Bringing to life 500 years of the Dutch dark history"... A uniquely thrilling attraction that will whisk you way back into the Netherlands’ most perilous past. See, hear, feel, Laugh nervously and (ahem) smell the chillingly amusing characters of the ‘bad old days’ as they come to life before you. Will you lose yourself in fear or in mirth? Which ever way, it’s not looking good for your underwear.

Many visitors go to Amsterdam to partake in their loose laws surrounding marijuana. And this city's "coffeeshops" (aka, "cannabis clubs") are world renowned. At Dampkring, Amsterdam's original and most famous coffeeshop, newcomers can feel welcome by their unintimidating vibe. The spacious feel, warm customer service, and the melting pot of customers—from tourists to locals and artists to business people—make any first-timer feel like they've walked into their own neighbourhood bar.

The coolest 'Amsterdam Icebar' is an extraordinary place in the European party capital. It's a unique experience. What sets the bar apart from the rest?
Everything inside is entirely made of ice! Even the glass you use to sip your beer or Strong liqueurs.
Located in the heart of the Amsterdam party center, its a great experience (must-do!)

Explore the working windmill village of Zaanse Schans
See windmills from across the Zaan region that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries
Visit a clog makers and learn more about the traditional wooden shoe
Admire the elegant houses of the rich merchants and windmill owners
Learn how the windmills were used in the production of cocoa powder and oil for food
Taste the typical cheese of Holland at a dairy farm

A’DAM LOOKOUT is an observation deck with an unrivalled panoramic view of Amsterdam. You’ll see the city’s historical centre, its pulsating port, the unique Dutch polder landscape and you’ll spot the famous canals which belong to the UNESCO world heritage list.
‘Over the Edge’ is Europe’s highest swing on our sky deck. Daredevils and thrill seekers will swing 100 meters above the ground, back and forth over the edge of the tower with Amsterdam below their feet. Enjoy a lavish lunch or cocktail at the sky bar.

There are eight remaining windmills in Amsterdam, the most easy to visit being de Gooyer in the Oostelijke Eilanden (Eastern Islands) neighborhood. And this isn’t just any windmill – for under the sails of this striking landmark is Brouwerij‘t Ij; an award winning artisan microbrewery with a large outdoor drinking terrace and 30-minute guided tasting tours. The brewery produces a range of organic standard and seasonal ales that you'll find in many Amsterdam bars, though nothing tastes quite as good as beer brewed on the premises.

Discover curiosities from around the world at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Amsterdam....
See the 7-meter tall robot made out of car parts....
Get an amazing view of Dam Square from the top floor of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Amsterdam...
Learn about the explorer, cartoonist and traveler Robert Ripley